Factory farming harms the environment from "summary" of The Food Revolution by John Robbins
Factory farming is a system that has become dominant in the production of meat, dairy, and eggs in the United States. This system concentrates large numbers of animals in small spaces, where they are fed a diet designed to fatten them quickly. In order to keep the animals alive in such stressful, crowded conditions, factory farms routinely administer antibiotics and other drugs. This practice has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which pose a serious threat to human health. One of the most significant ways in which factory farming harms the environment is through the massive amounts of waste that it produces. The animals on factory farms generate a tremendous amount of waste, which is usually stored in large lagoons. These lagoons often leak or overflow, contaminating groundwater and nearby waterways with pollutants such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and pathogens. This pollution can have serious consequences for human health, as well as for the health of ecosystems. In addition to water pollution, factory farming is also a major contributor to air pollution. The waste produced by animals on factory farms releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas that is a major driver of climate change. In fact, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has estimated that livestock production is responsible for 14.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a significant contributor to climate change. Furthermore, factory farming also contributes to deforestation and habitat destruction. In order to make room for the vast amounts of crops needed to feed animals on factory farms, large areas of land are cleared of trees and other vegetation. This destruction of natural habitats has devastating consequences for biodiversity, as many species of plants and animals are unable to survive in the altered landscape created by factory farming.- The environmental impact of factory farming is significant and far-reaching. From water pollution to air pollution to deforestation, factory farming is a major driver of environmental degradation. As consumers, we have the power to make a difference by choosing to support more sustainable and humane methods of food production. By opting for plant-based foods and supporting local, organic farmers, we can help to reduce the negative impact of factory farming on the environment.
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